Container base and lid with planar area for flat application of adhesive membrane

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a container ( 40 ) of the type to hold fresh food or produce. Container ( 40 ) has a base ( 42 ) and a lid ( 44 ) moveable with respect to the base ( 42 ) between an open position and a closed position. The lid ( 44 ) has a first planar area ( 54 ). The base has a second planar area ( 56 ). In the closed position, the first planar area ( 54 ) and the second planar area ( 56 ) include a substantially flat area suitable for receipt of an adhesive membrane, such as a self-adhesive label. The substantially flat area includes an edge ( 55 ) of the first planar area ( 54 ) and at least part of the second planar area ( 56 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to containers. In particular, this inventionrelates to containers intended to hold fresh food or produce, althoughthe scope of the invention is not limited to this area. The invention isespecially concerned with containers in a form which can facilitateapplication of labels, such as tamper evident labels.

Priority is claimed of Australian Patent Application Nos 2007900654 and2007902246, the contents of the specifications of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Thermoformed containers suitable for holding fresh food or produce arein common use. Traditionally, these have consisted of a base with a lid,the lid being hinged to the base or separate therefrom. In order tosecure the lid to the base, these known containers require one or morelabels to be adhered to both the lid and the base in a “wrap around”fashion. In high output operations, there is a problem in applying a“wrap around” (non-flat) label because automated equipment is generallydesigned for flat label application.

In addition, labels applied to containers of this type often carry abarcode, usually along with other information. There can be problems inscanning barcodes on non-flat labels. Consequently, from this point ofview, a flat label would be preferred.

It is an object of the present invention, at least in some embodiments,to provide a container configuration which permits flat application oflabels.

More recently, a dual hinged lid container has been devised. Referenceis made to Australian patent No 2003234951. The specification of thispatent discloses a container having a lid provided in two parts, eachpart being hinged to the base. When both lids are closed, there isavailable a generally flat area across the lid edges in the centre ofthe container top to permit a flat label to be applied. The flat labelso applied can act as a tamper evident seal.

While this prior art dual hinged lidded container can work admirably inmany applications, there are instances where it is undesirable to applya label across a join in the centre of a container lid in this manner.For example, the label may obstruct a consumer's view of contents of thecontainer, especially where there is a relatively high label-to-lid arearatio. As another example, on larger containers, a regular sized labelmay prove inadequate to give a tamper evident seal. If the size of thelabel were to be increased, this would add to label cost and may proveuneconomical. In other instances, it may be desirable to provide acontainer with increased security.

It is an object of the present invention, at least in some embodiments,to alleviate some or all of these concerns or, at the least, to providea useful alternative which is appropriate for containers of differentshapes and sizes.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a container having a baseand a lid moveable with respect to the base between an open position anda closed position, the lid having a first planar area and the basehaving a second planar area, wherein, in the closed position, the firstand second planar areas include a substantially flat area suitable forreceipt of an adhesive membrane, the substantially flat area includingan edge of the first planar area and at least part of the second planararea.

The container of the invention may be made of any suitable material butpreferably is a thermoformed, relatively thin plastic material, as ispresently known in the art. Examples of suitable thermoformable plasticmaterial are polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),polypropylene, polyactide (PLA) and biaxially oriented polystyrene(BOPS). The container may be of any desirable shape. Currently, mostpopular containers of this type are square or rectangular in crosssection and these are encompassed by the present invention, along withother shapes.

The base preferably includes a floor and upwardly extending side walls.Preferably, all or at least one of the side walls end at a rim which, insome embodiments, may include the second planar area. If desired, therim may include means for supporting the container during the sellingprocess. For example, the rim may include a hang sell hole for“off-shelf” display.

The lid or the base may include ventilation holes, ribs or arches or anyother modifications suited to intended contents and/or conditions ofsale.

The base and upstanding side walls may define an opening which, in use,is horizontal. However, other variations are possible. For example, thebase may define an opening which, in use, is vertical and intended to beclosed by a lid in a vertical orientation in use.

The lid is moveable with respect to the base between an open positionand a closed position. The lid may be hinged or otherwise attached tothe base in any suitable manner. Alternately, the lid may be separatefrom the base, in which case it may be desirable to have two or morefirst planar areas on the lid and correspondingly two or more secondplanar areas on the base if tamper evidence is required.

The lid may be generally flat or it may include shaped portions (such asone or more domes, ribs or arches) in addition to the first planar area.Optionally, the lid may include one or more recessed portions which maybe useful for storing items which a consumer may require once thecontainer has been opened. Such items may include cutlery, dressings andcondiments.

The lid may be of known type, for example an “inside fitting” or an“outside fitting” lid in relation to the base when closed.

The lid may be a single lid or may be a multi-part lid. For example, theinvention is applicable to the type of dual-lidded container inAustralian patent No. 2003234951. An embodiment is shown in thedrawings, below. The lid may have more than two parts.

The lid and/or the base may include any suitable mechanical lockingmechanisms, such as one or more projections, each receivable in a recesswith an interference-type fit. These may be located on surfaces which,in use, are horizontal or vertical, for example. Another example of alocking mechanism is a channel style lock.

The first planar area is on the lid and preferably is greater than 5cm². The first planar area is preferably located adjacent an edge of thelid since, when a label or other adhesive membrane is applied, at leastpart of the purpose is to secure the lid to the base. In a preferredembodiment, the first planar area is located opposite a hinged edge ofthe lid, when the lid is hinged to be base. However, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to this. The first planararea may be located adjacent any edge of the lid or in any other desiredlocation. For example, the first planar area may be located on a side ofthe lid (approximately vertical in use.)

The first planar area may be generally parallel to a floor in the base.However, other configurations are possible. For example, the firstplanar area may be disposed at an angle to some or all of the remainderof the lid. An example is illustrated in the drawings, below.

The second planar area is on the base. This may take any suitable formand many variations are possible. By way of example, the second planararea may be located on a rim for the base or on an extension thereof,optionally inclined at an angle to the rim. The lid may be contoured fora snug fit with the second planar area.

The substantially flat area suitable for receipt of an adhesive membraneincludes an edge of the first planar area and at least part of thesecond planar area. It is intended, or course, that the adhesivemembrane (preferably an adhesive label) may be applied to thesubstantially flat area, connecting the lid and the base in the area ofthe edge of the first planar area included in the substantially flatarea. The first and second planar areas may be adjacent or they maypartially overlap. In one view, they may be regarded as generallycoplanar, although, strictly speaking, where there is a simple overlapthere will be a small step from the first planar area to the secondplanar area.

The edge of the first planar area may simply abut at least part of thesecond planar area. In another embodiment, the edge of the first planararea may form a chamfered abutment with at least part of the secondplanar area. In yet another embodiment, an edge of the first planar areasurrounds the second planar area.

The substantially flat area is preferably located at an opposite side ofthe container to the hinge, or opposite each hinge when there is morethan one. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration.

It will be appreciated that when the lid is in the closed position, thesubstantially flat area is preferably suitable for application of anadhesive membrane, such as a self adhesive label applied by an automatedapplicator in a generally flat fashion.

While the adhesive membrane is preferably a self adhesive label, it mayalso take other forms. For example, it may be a heat sealable liddingfilm of plastic, foil or other sheet material.

If desired, the adhesive membrane may have a perforation or other areaof weakness locatable at or adjacent the edge of the first planar areawithin the substantially flat area. The purpose of this is to simplifyopening of the container by the consumer.

If there are two or more first planar areas and second planar areas, theadhesive membrane may be applied to all of these, or some of these, orto one first planar area and one second planar area only.

If desired, the container of the invention may be designed so as to benestable or stackable with identical or similar containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in relation to certain non-limitingexamples thereof in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of container according tothe invention, showing a lid, hinged to the base in the open position;

FIG. 2 corresponds to the embodiment in FIG. 1, but showing the lid inthe closed position;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, with thelid in the closed position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of containeraccording to the invention, having a lid separate from the base;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the embodiment in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a detail of the circled portion of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a further embodiment in the open position;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 10, showing the lidin the closed position;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a further embodiment in the open position;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 12 in the closedposition;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a further embodiment in the open position;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 14 in the closedposition;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a further embodiment in the open position;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 in the closedposition;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation of a further embodiment, where the first andsecond planar areas are at an angle to the base and lid, the lid beingin the open position in this Figure;

FIG. 19 shows the embodiment of FIG. 18, with the lid in the closedposition;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation of a further embodiment where the first andsecond planar areas are at an angle to the lid and base, showing theopen position;

FIG. 21 shows the embodiment in FIG. 20 in the closed position;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of a further embodiment wherein the lid is inmore than one part, showing the lid parts in the open position;

FIG. 23 shows the FIG. 22 embodiment with the lid parts in the closedposition;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of a further embodiment, showing the openposition;

FIG. 25 shows the FIG. 24 embodiment in the closed position;

FIG. 26 shows yet a further embodiment, being a top plan view in theopen position; and

FIG. 27 shows the FIG. 26 embodiment in the closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring first to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the first embodiment of thecontainer of the invention, designated generally as 10, has a base 12and a lid 14, hinged to base 12 at hinge 16. Rims 15 have ramp portions17.

Base 12 has upwardly extending sidewalls 18 defining an opening 20through which products are inserted into container 10 before lid 14 isclosed. At the top end of walls 18 of base 12 are rims 22 (refer FIG.1), each of which has a ramp portion 23.

Lid 14 in this embodiment has a first planar area 24 which, in thisembodiment, comprises virtually the whole of lid 14. The second planararea is formed by rim portion 26 which, as can be seen in FIG. 1, iswider than rims 22. Ramp portion 23 is inclined upwardly from rim 22 torim 26.

In the closed position, illustrated in FIG. 2, first planar area 24 hasmated with second planar area—rim 26—to form a substantially flat areain which edge 28 of lid 14 has mated with rim 26 of base 12, chamfer 30being formed between them, using ramp portion 23. Adhesive label 32 isshown in place in FIG. 2.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, sidewalls 18 of base 12 are tapered towardsfloor 34, corners 36 being rounded as illustrated.

Margin 15 on lid 14 can include locking means to lock lid 14 to base 12via rims 22.

Turning now to the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 9, thecontainer of the invention, designated generally as 40, has a base 42and a separate lid 44, with upwardly extending side walls 48 defining anopening 50 through which product may be inserted before lid 44 isclosed. Base 42 has a rim 52 with a pair of enlarged portions 56,comprising in this embodiment second planar areas.

Lid 44 has a first planar area 54 defined by ribs 38 and edges 55.

A single label (not shown) can extend over the whole of first planararea 54 and both second planar areas 56. Alternately, two separatelabels may be used, the first covering part of first planar area 54 andone of the adjacent second planar areas 56, while the over covers partof first planar area 54 and the adjacent second planar area 56, leavingfree central portion 46 of lid 44.

As shown in FIG. 6, each of second planar areas 56 may include anaperture or recess 58. A sharp object may be inserted through a label(not shown) covering first planar area 54, second planar area 56 andaperture 58, to tear the label through aperture 58, to assist inremoving lid 44 from base 42.

In this embodiment, lid 44 also includes removal tabs 62, to assist inremoving lid 44 from base 42.

Container 40 may include vents (not shown) and depression 64 in floor 66of base 42, as desired (refer FIG. 8). Container 40 may also include oneor more recessed portions in lid 44. These may be included in centralportion 46 or in another desired location. It is preferred that any suchrecessed portion is sealed by a label.

A third embodiment is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, where container 70 hasbase 72 hinged to lid 74 at 16. Lid 74 is cut away at 76 and base 72 hasflat portions 78. As can be seen in FIG. 11, when lid 74 is closed onbase 72, cut aways 76 leave flat portions 78 exposed. When a label 60,shown in dotted outline in FIG. 11, is placed over first planar area 68of lid 74 and over flat portion 78 (second planar areas) of base 72, lid74 is effectively sealed to base 72. Flat portions 78 stand proud of rim22, so that when exposed by cut-outs 76 of lid 74, first planar area 68is substantially co-planar with flat portions 78.

The next embodiment in FIGS. 12 and 13 is similar to that in FIGS. 10and 11 and the same numbers have been used to indicate the same orsimilar parts, with the addition of the letter “a”. Whereas in the FIGS.10 and 11 embodiment the cut-away portions 76 on lid 74 were centred inan edge of lid 74, in the FIGS. 12 and 13 embodiment cut-away portions76 a are located in two opposite corners of lid 74 a.

Similarly, flat portions 78 a are located at corners of base 72 a.

As was the case with the previous embodiment, when lid 74 a is closed onbase 72 a, flat portions 78 a are substantially co-planar with firstplanar area 68 a.

The next embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 shows container 80 havingbase 82 and lid 84. Base 82 has narrow rims 22 and expanded rim 86.Expanded rim 86 includes further portion 88 with hang sell hole 90, toenable container 80 to be displayed on a hanger.

Expanded rim 86 is designed so that, when lid 84 is closed on container82, expanded rim 86 is substantially co-planar with lid 84, which inthis embodiment comprises the first planar area.

As can be seen in FIG. 15, label 60 can be affixed to cover the righthand side of lid 84 and expanded rim 86.

The embodiment in FIGS. 16 and 17 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 10and 11 and 12 and 13. The same labels will be used to designate the sameor similar parts, with the addition of the letter “b”.

Container 70 b has base 72 b and lid 74 b, hinged at 16. Cut-away 76 bon lid 74 b is designed to expose flat portion 78 b on base 72 b in theclosed position (FIG. 17). Flat portion 78 b stands proud of rim 22 sothat first planar area 68 b is substantially co-planar with flat portion78 b.

This embodiment includes lock lugs 92 designed for a friction fit intolock recesses 94 on base 72 b. As can be seen from FIG. 17, when label60 is affixed, it covers not only first planar area 68 b and flatportion 78 b but also lock lugs 92.

The embodiments in FIGS. 18 to 21 illustrate how the first and secondplanar areas may be disposed at an angle to the lid and to a rim on thebase.

Referring first to FIGS. 18 and 19, container 100 has lid 104 hinged tobase 102 at 16. Lid 104 includes extension 106 which, in use, isinclined upwardly at an obtuse angle from lid 104.

Base 102 has rim 22 which has extension 108, in use inclined at anobtuse angle from rim 22.

In the closed position, extension 106 is designed to mate with extension108. Extension 106 has one or more cut-outs, similar to those alreadyillustrated in FIGS. 10 to 13 or 16 and 17, so that a flat label 60applied to extension 106 will bind extension 106 to extension 108,exposed by the cut-out or cut-outs.

The embodiment in FIGS. 20 and 21 is a variation of that in FIGS. 18 and19 and the same labels will be used, with the addition of the letter“a”. In this embodiment, lid 104 a ends in flat portion 106 a. Rim 22 onbase 102 a has a downwardly extending extension 108 a.

In the closed position, extension 106 a mates with extension 108 a alongmargin 98 to provide a substantially co-planar surface 96 on which alabel 60 (not shown) may be placed to seal lid 104 a to base 102 a.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments inFIGS. 18 to 21 may be adapted to containers with separate lids. In thatcase, it is preferred that there are two extensions 106 (or 106 a) andtwo extensions 108 (or 108 a).

Reference is now made to the embodiment in FIGS. 22 and 23. In thisembodiment, container 110 has base 112 as shown in FIG. 22. However, thelid is in two parts, 114 a and 114 b. Lid part 114 a is hinged to base112 at 16 a while lid part 114 b is hinged to base 112 at hinge 16 b.

Each of lid parts 114 a and 114 b has a pair of cut-aways, 116 a and 116b. When lid parts 114 a and 114 b are in the closed position as shown inFIG. 23, cut-aways 116 a and 116 b expose flat portions 118 on base 112.Lid parts 114 a and 114 b may meet or overlap in known manner, forexample as described in Australian patent specification No 2003234951,the contents of which are encorporated herein by reference.Nevertheless, each of lid parts 114 a and 114 b provide a first planararea which is substantially co-planar with flat portion 118 on base 112.In this way, when lid parts 114 a and 114 b are in the closed position,label 60 can be applied on the substantially flat area so provided.

Referring now the embodiment in FIGS. 24 and 25, container 130 has base122 hinged to lid 124 at hinge 16. Lid 124 has diecut holes 126. Lid 124is generally flat to provide the first planar area.

Base 122 has formed sections 128, the top, flat part of which comprisethe second planar areas. As can be seen by FIG. 25, in the closedposition formed sections 128 mate with diecut holes 126 to form asubstantially flat surface. A label (not shown) may be applied to coverboth formed sections 128 and the intervening part of lid 124.Alternately, separate labels may be applied.

The embodiment in FIGS. 26 to 27 is similar to that in FIGS. 24 to 25;however, in container 140 in FIGS. 26 to 27, base 132 is separate fromlid 134. In addition, there are four diecut holes 136 andcorrespondingly four formed sections 138. Like the embodiment in FIGS.24 and 25, when lid 134 which is of the “outside fitting” type, isplaced on base 132, sections 138 protrude into diecut holes 136 toprovide a substantially flat area for label application.

It will be appreciated from the various embodiments described above thatthe container of the invention can be produced in a wide number of formsand that, in addition, a single form may be suitable for application ofdifferent types of labels. Lids may be hinged or separate.

Lids may be substantially flat or they may be shaped, with ridges, ribs,domes as non-limiting examples of shaping. Especially in the case ofsubstantially flat lids, these may be designed to mate with the base sothat the second planar area or areas can appear on, for example,opposing sides of the lid, opposing corners of the lid or on one side ofthe lid, opposite the hinge. In the case of a lid which is a dual lid,with two hinges, the second planar areas may be on two opposing sides(viewing the closed lid in plan view), or on four corners, for example.

In the case of a separate lid, once again viewing the container in planview in the closed position, the second planar areas may be in each offour corners, on two opposing sides, on two diagonal corners, around allfour sides or separately on each of four sides. These are a selectiononly of possible combinations. Others will be apparent to one skilled inthe art.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The container of the invention can be adapted to any currently knowncontainer design, whether having a single lid or a multi-part lid. Theinvention allows for manual or high speed automatic closure and flat,self adhesive label application providing tamper evidence, while at thesame time employing a minimum number of moving parts.

The container of the invention can offer important tamper evidencecapabilities while maintaining minimal obstruction of vision through thecontainer lid. For certain applications, the container of the inventionwill also allow alternate graphic methods to be successfully used, suchas pre-printing, branding and nutritional information onto the lid area,thus reducing label requirements to a smaller, basic tamper evidentlabel only.

1. A container having an internal volume, a base and a lid moveable withrespect to the base between an open position and a closed position, thebase having a rim, the lid having a first planar area and the basehaving a second planar area located on an extension of the rim, wherein,in the closed position, the first and second planar areas include asubstantially flat area suitable for receipt of an adhesive membrane,the substantially flat area including an edge of the first planar areaand at least part of the second planar area and wherein at least part ofthe first planar area of the lid is within a footprint of the internalvolume.
 2. The container of claim 1 wherein the base includes a floorand upwardly extending side walls, at least one of which has the rim. 3.(canceled)
 4. The container of claim 1 which is square or rectangular incross section.
 5. The container of claim 1 wherein the lid is hinged tothe base.
 6. The container of claim 1 wherein the lid is separate fromthe base.
 7. The container of claim 1 wherein the lid is in two or moreparts, each of which is hinged to the base.
 8. The container of claim 7wherein the or each hinge is located on one edge of the lid or of eachlid and the substantially flat area does not include that edge.
 9. Thecontainer of claim 1 wherein the lid and/or the base includes means formechanical locking.
 10. The container of claim 1 which includes one ormore ventilation holes, ribs, depressions or recesses.
 11. (canceled)12. The container of claim 1 wherein the adhesive membrane is aself-adhesive label.
 13. The container of claim 1 which has a pluralityof first planar areas and a plurality of second planar areas. 14.(canceled)
 15. A container having a base and a lid moveable with respectto the base between an open position and a closed position, the lidhaving a first planar area and the base having a second planar area,wherein in the closed position, the first and second planar areasinclude a substantially flat area suitable for receipt of an adhesivemembrane, the substantially flat area including an edge of the firstplanar area and at least part of the second planar area, and wherein thefirst planar area is disposed at an oblique angle to some or all of thelid and wherein the base includes a floor and upwardly extending sidewalls at least one of which has a rim, and the second planar area isinclined at an angle to the rim.
 16. The container of claim 15 whereinthe lid is hinged to the base.
 17. The container of claim 15 wherein thelid is separate from the base.
 18. The container of claim 15 wherein thelid and/or the base includes means for mechanical locking.
 19. Thecontainer of claim 15 which includes one or more ventilation holes,ribs, depressions or recesses.
 20. The container of claim 15 which has aplurality of first planar areas and a plurality of second planar areas.